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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: MP launches Bill to legalise cannabis
Ananova
Tuesday 16 Oct 2001 A Labour MP is launching a Private Member's Bill to legalise personal use of cannabis. Jon Owen Jones argues that beleaguered British farmers could grow it as a cash crop. He says the measure will remove criminals from cannabis production and could provide a hardy cash crop for British farmers. The Cardiff Central MP's Legalisation of Cannabis Bill is due to be debated in the House of Commons next week, but is highly unlikely to become law. However, it comes after a noticeable shift in public attitudes to the drug. MPs who have spoken out in favour of liberalising the drug laws include former Tory Cabinet minister Peter Lilley. And the first official pilot project where police turn a blind eye to possession of the drug began this summer in south London. The Bill would legalise the personal cultivation of cannabis and its use for therapeutic and recreational purposes. A Government licensing system would also be set up for commercial cultivation of cannabis and for international trade in the drug. Mr Jones said: "All over the world it is becoming clear that cannabis use is a fact of life and trying to deal with it through the criminal justice system is absurd. "Legalisation is the most rational way forward." The Bill, drafted in conjunction with the civil rights group Liberty, is backed by MPs from all three main political parties. Mark Littlewood, director of campaigns at Liberty, said: "The public don't want our police force frittering their energies over a victimless 'crime' like cannabis use. "Our drug laws are arcane and outdated. As the Home Secretary himself has hinted, they need urgent review.". Mr Jones's proposals come as a cross-party House of Commons committee is due to begin investigating the possible decriminalisation of hard and soft drugs. The Home Affairs Select Committee will question whether current drug rules are failing. It has not limited its remit to the liberalisation of cannabis and will also discuss decriminalising Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. MPs will examine the possible impact such a move would have on crime, drug-related deaths and demand. Members will also examine whether decriminalisation is desirable and, if not, discuss "practical alternatives". There have been growing backbench calls for liberalisation of cannabis laws. Mr Lilley, ex-deputy leader of the Tory party, envisaged magistrates issuing licences for outlets selling cannabis to over-18s. In July police in Lambeth, south London, became the first to turn a blind eye to possession of small amounts of cannabis, dealing with the offence by a verbal warning rather than arrest. Downing Street has firmly resisted any liberalisation of the drugs laws, although Home Secretary David Blunkett has said there should be an "adult, intelligent" debate on the issue.
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